History
The Order of Australia was instituted on 14 February 1975 by Queen Elizabeth II as an Australian society of honour for according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or meritorious service, ending the nation's reliance on the Imperial honours. The King is Sovereign Head of the Order and the Governor-General its Chancellor. Changes of 24 May 1976 added the Medal of the Order below Member and a Knight and Dame level above Companion, and renamed the Civil Division the General Division; the knighthoods were abolished in 1986, briefly restored in 2014 and closed again in 2015.
The Officer is the Order's second level, appointed for distinguished service of a high degree to Australia or to humanity at large. Where the Member level recognises significant service to a field or community, the Officer marks careers whose influence runs nationally: leaders of institutions, disciplines, industries and causes. Nominations come from the community, are considered by the Council for the Order of Australia within an annual quota, and are announced generally each January and June.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The insignia of the Order, designed by Stuart Devlin, is a single flower head of mimosa rendered as a convex disc, with a central ring for the sea above the word AUSTRALIA and two branches of mimosa. The Officer's badge is gilt, worn at the neck by men and on a bow at the shoulder by women, with a lapel pin bearing a blue enamelled centre for daily wear. The insignia is identical in both divisions.
The ribbon
Royal blue scattered with gold mimosa, the colours of the Order.
The ribbon is royal blue with a central band of scattered gold mimosa blossoms, the national colours of Australia at the time the Order was established.
Eligibility
Appointments are made by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Council for the Order of Australia, for distinguished service of a high degree to Australia or to humanity at large.
- Anyone may nominate an Australian citizen; nominations are confidential, independently researched and considered by the Council, which recommends directly to the Governor-General;
- An annual quota applies to appointments as Officer, with honorary appointments of non-citizens made in addition to it;
- Recipients are entitled to the post-nominal AO, and may also hold an appointment in the Military Division.
Order of wear
The Order's grades are worn among the orders of chivalry and decorations, interleaved with the Imperial awards of equivalent standing. A General Division appointment takes precedence over the equivalent appointment in the Military Division. The precise neighbours should be confirmed against the current Australian Order of Wear.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Officer of the Order of Australia awarded for?
Distinguished service of a high degree to Australia or to humanity at large. It is the second of the Order's four levels, between Companion and Member.
How is someone appointed?
By community nomination: anyone may nominate an Australian citizen, and the Council for the Order of Australia considers the researched nominations and recommends appointments directly to the Governor-General.
How many are appointed?
An annual quota applies under the Constitution of the Order, with honorary appointments of non-citizens additional to it. Announcements are generally made in January and June.
How is it worn?
As a neck badge by men and on a bow at the shoulder by women when full size medals are worn, with a blue enamelled lapel pin for daily wear.
What separates AO from AM and AC?
Reach. The Member recognises significant service to a particular field or community, the Officer distinguished service of a high degree nationally, and the Companion eminent achievement of the highest degree.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
Yes: AO.